Food and drink exports reach record high of €12.6bn

on 10 January 2018.

The value of Irish food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 13 per cent in 2017, to reach €12.6 billion for the first time. The figure increase to €13.5 billion when non-edible products such as forestry are included

This marks the eighth successive year of growth for Irish agri-food exports. According to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects 2017-2018 report, last year’s export performance was driven by a surge in dairy exports to over €4bn (+19 per cent), now accounting for a third of food and drink exports. Buoyant sales of Irish beef continued, up 5 per cent, which represents a fifth of exports at almost €2.5bn. Notable growth was also recorded for prepared foods (+17 percent to €2.2bn) and beverages (+8 percent to €1.5bn).

Announcing the 2017 figures, Bord Bia CEO, Tara McCarthy, emphasised how increased volume in our key export sectors, combined with strong market returns, helped boost trade throughout 2017. “In terms of yearly growth rates, the dairy sector grew by almost 20 per cent to reach €4.02bn, confirming its position as the number one exporting sector. Within the dairy sector, the value of Ireland’s butter exports rose by a remarkable 60 per cent this year alone, to reach €879mn. This growth accounted for over half of the total increase in dairy exports. Notwithstanding its impact on the overall export figures, it is worth noting that increased export volumes recorded for both beef and dairy also played a pivotal role in this year’s export performance. Pigmeat and sheepmeat also recorded increased volumes, at 3 and 14 per cent respectively.”

The UK remains Ireland’s key export market, however the percentage share of exports to the UK declined by two points to 35 per cent. This reduction disguises the fact that sales still increased for the year by 7 per cent to over €4.5bn.Exports to other EU countries have risen by 16 per cent to over €4bn accelerating last year’s growth, mainly driven by strong dairy exports, which rose by over 40 percent to €1.2bn, as well as enhanced growth for seafood and pigmeat sales, and a continued strong presence of beverages and prepared foods.Meanwhile shipments of Irish food and drink to international markets grew by 17 per cent to exceed €4bn for the first time. These are driven by strong sales of dairy products in North America, Africa and Asia, and beverages which performed well in North America. Dairy accounts for 45 per cent of all sales to international markets, while beverages represent 19 per cent. Further expansion was recorded in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, while the US recorded robust growth levels to exceed €1bn for the first time. Elsewhere, exports to China, driven principally by dairy and pigmeat, grew by 5 per cent for the year to €700mn.

Commenting on the result, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed said: “Industry, in line with my Department’s market prioritisation strategy, is continuing to diversify, with exports to international markets reaching €4bn for the first time. Trade with the UK, which remains our most valuable market, has grown in overall terms, despite the difficulty presented by Brexit and a weaker sterling. “I am pleased that the significant additional resources provided by my Department to Bord Bia as a key part of our Brexit response has helped to support Irish food and drink company’s export performance in 2017, as evidenced by these results, and will continue to do so into the future.”

On a more cautionary note, Ms. McCarthy also highlighted the currency risk that remains for all sectors especially those such as horticulture and prepared consumer foods** that are hugely dependent on the UK market. “Sterling volatility, combined with slower economic growth, food inflation and lower wage forecasts, will put further pressure on the UK market as an export destination. While the UK remains our most important market, these prospects provide an additional incentive for Irish exporters to explore new markets within the EU26 and beyond.”To that end, in recent months, Bord Bia, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has collaborated with the agri-food industry to develop a more data-led, strategic approach to export diversification and market prioritisation. “Trading in the international marketplace has been a strengthening component of our industry over the last decade. However, Brexit has, of course, placed a new urgency around diversification for many exporters. We believe we are starting a new chapter in the development of Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and we recognise that Irish exporters require higher levels of consumer insight, market information and understanding to successfully enter, and more importantly grow, in any international market. The longer-term outlook is positive and Bord Bia’s focus now is to put the infrastructure in place to ensure Ireland’s agri-food industry is best informed, best positioned and best prepared to avail of all possible opportunities that will arise.”